Wheel suspension for motor vehicles



Jan. 20, 1942. H11'. wooLsoN erm.

WHEEL SUSPENSION PQR MOTR VEHICLES 3 'Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 2, 1938 Jam 20, 1942- Hfr. wooLs'oN ErAL 2,270,571

l WHEEL SUSPENSION FOR MOTOR VEHICLES 3 Sheets-Sheet A72 Hdrrrz/ 7'. ,I4/1021s ff arf? er E l A Filed Nov. 2, 1938 Jan- 20, 1942 H. T. wooLsoN E-rAL 270,571-

WHEEL SUSPENSION FOR MOTOR'VEHICLES Filed Novr 2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Jan. 2o, 1942 WHEEL SUSPENSION Fon Moron VEHICLES Harry T. Woolson, Detroit, Alexander G. Herreshoff, Grosse Pointe, Harold A. Hicks, Detroit, andlGlenn H. Parker, Royal Oak, Mich., assignors to Chrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application November 2, 1938, Serial No. 238,421

17 Claims.

This invention relates to motor vehicles and refers more particularly to improvements in wheel suspensions therefor.

One object of our invention is to .provide a wheel 'suspension of the independentlyv sprung type affording improved riding qualities, simplication in the operating parts and substantial reduction in the cost of manufacture and assembly.

A further object is to provide independent suspension for a pair of vehicle ground wheels incorporating a simplified and directly acting stabilizer or anti-sway device for minimizing body roll and exercising a controlling action on the rising and falling movement of each of the ground wheels relative to the other.

Another object of our invention is.to provide an independent wheel suspension having improved stability and quietness of operation in controlling the forces acting between the ground wheels and the vehicle frame.

Further objects of our invention are to provide an independent wheel suspension comprising a parallelogram system of improved construction and operation;

The mounting for each Wheel is also preferably arranged so that each frame supported arm portion is yeldingly supported at points widely spaced transversely of the frame Structure to effectively brace the wheel against undesired lateral displacement.

Another object of our invention is to provide a simplified and improved arrangement of clamping or securing the torsion units with the frame structure and this arrangement may embody means forrotatably adjusting the outer surfaces of the rubber annuli relative to the inner sur- Still further objects and advantages of our independently'sprung-wheel suspension over prior suspensions are: a material saving in Weight, .cost and reduction of unsprung` weight; an arrangement of suspension'and frame cross member which does not interfere with engine installation and which AWill permit of a shorter wheelbase vehicle with a decrease in weight; elimination of harshness and road noise by absorbing fore and aft as well as vertical shocks between the wheel and vehicle frame structure; an arrangement accommodating large wheel displacement before striking the limiting rubber bumpers; Simplification of the frame side rails and front cross member; reduction in the num- .ber of pressure lubricators; and improved Wheel geometry during wheel deflections decreasing tire wear.

In carrying our the objects of our invention we preferably provide an oscillatory Wheel-carry; f Y

the vehicle and is connected to the frame through one or more annuli of deformable torsionally resisting "material, such as rubber compositiom' thereby providing torsion springing units which support the frame and which yieldingly resist ob faces for regulating the height of the frame from the ground by varying the torsional stress in the rubber annuli.

In order to add stability to the suspension, each'oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure preferably has associated therewith a second frame pivoted arm and an upright member comthenovel combination and arrangement of parts more particularlyherelnafter described in detail and claimed, reference being had to the accom-y panying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the motor vehicle wheel suspension lwith parts thereof broken away..

Fig. 2 is a sectional `elevational view taken as indicated by line 2--2 of Fig. 3 and illustrated a typical wheel suspension.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the vehicle showing one of the wheel suspensions shown in 4 ya pair of front steerable ground wheels A, each of which is ad-apted to be supported and guided for rising and falling movement independently of the remaining ground wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle frame structure B may be' formed as a structural part of the body or may be in the nature of a chassis adapted to mount the body and comprises the pair of longitudinally extending channeled side members I0 for mounting the wheel supporting and guiding means.

Each of the wheels A is rotatable in the usual manner on a spindle II Aswivelly connected for steering movements by a king pin at I2 on a king pin receiving boss I3. Each spindle has a steering arm III for imparting steering movement to the associated wheel by any suitable 30 type of steering mechanism.

The king pin boss I3 (Fig. 4) is carried at the outer end of an independent axle member I5 which has its axis extending inwardly as an extension of the axis of the associated spindle Il when the ground wheels ,are positioned as in Fig. 1, each axle I5 therefore extending in a direction transversely of the frame structure B. Inasmuch as the mounting means for the wheels for the most part, be limited to the mounting for one of the wheels.

Intermediate the length of the axle member A are similar to each other, the description will, 'A40' I5, the latter is formed with a cylindrical bearing portion I5 and a threaded portion I 1, the '45 inner end of the axle being serrated at I8. The parallelogram system comprises upper and lower` oscillating wheel carrying arm structures C and D respectively, each of these arm structures extending generally longitudinally of the vehicle 'so and being adapted for pivotal support on the frame structure B at their forward ends. 'Ihe rear ends of the arm structures C and D are pivotally connected by an upright member E which preferably extends upwardly from the arm structure D.

The upright 'member E has its lower end engaged with the serrations I8 of the axle member I5 so that this upright member is xed against movement with respect to the axle member., The 50 .end of the upper arm structure C has a yokedv terminal 20 adapted to receive an eccentric bushing 2I formed with internal threads pivotally engaging the threads of shank I9. The eccentric bushing is formed with an inner head portion 22 accomodating rotative adjustment of the busht, ing within the portion .20 of arm C. Afastener 23 extends through the yokel portions o f arm C and is adaptedto releasably hold the bushing A2| invany desired position of rotative adjustment with respect to arm'C.v In Fig.-3 the axis' o f 'I5 shank I9 is indicated at`24 while the axis of bushing' 2| is indicated at 25, it being apparent that when the fastener 23 is released, the bushing 2l may be rotated at the headed portion 22 thereby swinging the upper end of upright member E in a direction fore and aft of the vehicle so as to rotate the axle member I5 on its axis and thus vary the setting of the caster angle of the wheel 9 at the king pin I2. In any position of adjustment, the fastener 23 may be secured to hold the bushing 2| against undesired rotation with respect to arm structure C.

The forward end of arm structure C is pivotally supported by the frame structure through the intermediary of an hydraulic shock absorber l of any suitable well known rotary type. The

body portion of the shock absorber is secured by fastener 26 to a support bracket 26' which is suitably secured as by welding to the frame side member I0. The pivotal support thus formed accommodates oscillation of the arm structure C about an axis 21 which extends generally transversely of the frame structure B and in this instance perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal mid-plane 28 of the motor vehicle.

In order to limit upward movement of the wheel A relative to the frame structure B, the upright member E carries a rearwardly project-y ing abutment 29 adapted to strike a rubben bumper 30 carried beneath the supporting plate' 3| which is secured by fastener 32 to the side member I0. A

The armstructure D is, of -a hollow build-up construction comprising a tubular frame supported portion 33 which extends generally transversely of the frame structure B and in this instance has its axis perpendicular to the aforesaid plane 28. 'I'he arm structure D is also formed with a wheel connecting portion 34 which is hollow and which extends longitudinally of the frame structure and laterally outwardly -therefrom, thus forming a crank-like portion o'set rearwardly from the frame supported portion 33. The outer end portion 35 is hollow and cylindrical for receiving a' cylindrical sleeve 36 welded to the portion 35 as indicated at 3'I.

The arm structure D is adapted to take the vertical loads as well as the lateral loads acting between wheel A and frame structure B, leaving the arm structure C to function chiefly as a guide -member for the axle I5 In maintaining the caster angle of the king pin I2 constant during rising and falling movement of the ground wheel A. 'I'he arm structure C also functions to take the brake thrust of the associated ground wheel, as will be readily apparent.

The sleeve 38 rotatably journals the associated axle member ,I5 by a bearing 38, preferably of the anti-friction roller type at the bearing portion I6. A second journal bearing is formed by engagement of the threads I'I with the internal threads of a bushing v39 which'is suitably xed to the sleeve 35, thereby forming a structural parl of the arm structure D. Lateral thrusts of the associated ground wheel A aretaken up at the threads I1, thereby relieving the end friction bearing 38 of lateral thrusts, the threads I1 als functioning to assist the bearing 38 in journalling the axleA I5 in the sleeve 35 and in transmittingV units, each being preferably formed of a body of ground wheel Aand i In order to laterally. brace the to float the arm structure .to yieldingly resist yielding deformable material andso arranged as displacement thereof in directions'both axiallyof theframe supported portion 33 as well as transversely of this axis of oscillation.v for the arm structure D. In the present instancewe have provided a pair of transversely Aspaced 'torsion units associated with each arm structure D in such a manner as to provide a high degree of stability for each wheel A-thereby preventing undesired displacements of the'wheel while at the same time'eiectively dampening shocks and vibrations which tend to produce harshness between the ground wheel and frame structure.

In the present instance each arm has lassociated therewith the transversely spaced torsion units G and H, vthe unit G being supported at a side frame member I while the unit H is carried adjacent the mid-plane 28 by mounting fonv a -crossmernber structurally connecting the side frame members l0. With such an arrangement lateral thrusts at a ground Wheel vA tend to fulcrum the associated arm structure'D about theunit G,.the unit H functioning to resist displacement of the frame supported portion 33 .transverselyjof the oscillatory axis thereof. Each of the units G and H is also arranged to yieldingly resist oscillation of an associated arm structure D about the axisof the arm portion 33 as well as movement thereof in the direction ofthe axis of oscillation. The units G and H furthermore support the load ofthe fra'me structure on-the associated ground wheel A and thereby provide for springing the-motor vehicle on the wheels in lieu of more conventional systems employing coilor leaf load supporting springs.

side members l0 and to strengthen the frame structure at the` regions of support for the arm structures C .and .D, we have provided a transversely extending front cross member 40 for the frame structure B` this cross member being of channeled construction welded inposition where the outer ends of the cross member intersect lthe respective side 'members l0; The bottom of the cross member 40 is closed to form a boxed-in structure by reason of the transverse reinforcing member 4I which extends across the frame structure and which is arched to provide-a cavityfor seating the outer cylindrical sleeve '.42 ofthe torsion unit G. At the location of this unit an arched clamping member 43 is provided to -act in conjunction with the reinforcing member to embrace the sleeve 42. lIn orderV to j further reinforce the frame structure at the point `of, loading at the unit G, we have provided channeled yreinforcing plates 44 and 45 preferably welded in position respectively at thev front and rear faces of cross 3 through the flange 45 and is rotatably engaged on opposite sides to this flange by the adjusting clamping nuts 53 and .54. By loosening the clamping assemblies 46 and 49, the nuts 53 and 54 may be adjusted to move the rod 52 in the direction of its length and thereby eect rotative adjustment of the sleeve 42 in order to vary the. torsional setting of unit G as will presently be more apparent.

The unit G comprises an annular body of resilient deformable material 55 preferably of rubber composition having its inner and. outer cylindrical surfaces 56 and 5l respectively secured as by vulcanizing with the arm portion 53 and sleeve 42. The rubber body 55 is preferably molded under high pressure and heat to form 'the assembled unit G. It will be apparent that the body 55 will torsionally resist oscillation of arm D in supporting the load of frame on the portion '33 in the direction of its axis and in-tensecured at its opposite ends by a fastener 63.

member 4U, the reinforcement v44 having a forwardly extending flange 45'. A fastener assembly 46 secures together the forward end of clamping member'43 and the frame reinforcement 4| at therespective anges 41 and 43, as best seen in Fig. 3. Associated withthe plate 45 there is provided a sec-ond fastener assembly I 4! which likewise secures the rear flanged portions of frame reinforcement 4| and clamping member 43 vso that when the clamping assemblies 46 and 49 are tightened, the sleeve 42 issecurely held in place againstI any movement with respect to the frame structure B.

The sleeve 42 'projects inwardly beyond the clamping member 43 and is formed with the sion and compression when arm portion 33 tends Ato be displaced transversely to its axis. In order to yregulate the initial setting of the torsion unit Gand thereby regulate the amount of relative movement ofthe frame structure and ground wheel under normal loaded conditions, the adjusting means at the threaded rod 52 may be utilized .to rotatably adjust the outer sleeve 42 with respect to the arm portion 33 thereby either elevating or'lowering the front end offthe frame structure B with respect to the ground wheels A.

The unit H comprises a second annular body of yielding torsionally-resisting material 58, pref- `erably of rubber composition, having its inner and outer cylindrical surfaces Eiland 60 respectively vulcanized v"asjbefore to the arm portion 33;:andthe inner end thereof adjacent plane 29 and tothe outer cylindrical sleeve 6l which, as

before, is secured rigidly to the frame structure by seating inthe cross member 4I being clamped in position by an arched clamping member B2 A channel 'reinforcing member 64 is also preferably associated with the opposite faces of the cross member 40 at the-.region of unit H to stiifen the' cross member at this point of loading.

We have also provided an improved and simplied means acting as a stabilizer or sway-eliminator which yieldingly resists relative rotation of thetwo arm portions 33 resulting. among'other things, in ,keeping the frame'structure an'd vehicle body on an even keel especially when the vehicle is rounding a curve. The stabilizer furthermore has a controlling influence on the two steering ground wheels when these wheels have relative vertical displacements although when the wheels rise and fall together, the-stabilizer does not have any controlling functirn between the wheels.

J having a bodyportion extending parallel to downwardly extending lug 50 pivotally secured at 5l with, a threaded rod 52-which projects 75 minate inthe parallel upwardly-bent portions 61 the common axis of oscillation of the arm porftions 33, this body portion 65 being disposed closely adjacent the arm portions 33 and bridging the space between adjacent units H. Atits op. posite ends the body portion 55 is provided with the forwardly extending portions 66 which terwhich respectively extend diametrically through the arm portions 33 and which are secured thereto by the fasteners 68. The stabilizing means is therefore directly connected with the arm portions 33, the pins 61 being respectively disposed between the associated torsion units G and'H. It will be apparent that rotation of one arm portion 33 relative to the other will` be yieldingly opposed by torsionally stressing the body portion 55 of the stabilizer J in order to attain the desired functioning of thestabilizing means.

In the operation of the wheel suspension it will be apparent that each ground wheel A is arranged for steering about its king pin at l2, the parallelogram system accommodating rising and falling movement of each ground wheel relative to the remaining wheels of the vehicle, the arm structure D taking the vertical loads as well as the lateral loads acting between the associated ground wheel A and the frame structure B while the arm structure C, in conjunction with the upright member E, takes the brake reaction at the associated ground wheel and also maintains the wheel caster angle at king pin I2 constant. This caster angle may be readily adjusted by rotatably setting the eccentric bushing 2l with respect to the arm C.

Rising and falling movement vof a ground wheel A is yieldingly resisted by the torsion units G and H of the associated arm portion 33, the shock e absorber F acting to control relative displacement of the ground wheel with respect to the frame structure. The rubber bodies 55 and 58 respectively associated with units G and H torsionally resist oscillations of arm portion 33 and wheel connecting portion 34 of solid construction terminating in a transverse threaded shank 89 engaging the internal threads on the outer end portion 18 of the tube 33'. This tube is secured as a structural unit with the arm structure D', as by agclamping member 1| engaging threaded shank 69 so that, in effect, the tube 33 `forms the frame supported portion of the arm structure D' in a manner corresponding with the aforesaid portion 33 of the arm D.

In Fig. 5 the same torsion units G and H, as aforesaid, operate between arm structure D' and the vehicle frame structure but in Fig. 5 the rubber bodies 55 and 58 are now vulcanized to the tube 33', such arrangement facilitating the -formation of the torsion units as a separate assembly with the tube, the latter being secured to the arm portion 34 for installation on ther` vehicle.

Wehave also illustrated a still further simplified arrangement of stabilizer means J which now comprises a torsion bar having its body portion 65' co-axial with the axis of oscillation of the two associated frame supported portions .33 of the arm structures D', it being understood that the torsion bar 65' extends for connection to the wheel at the right hand side of the vehicle sustain the weight of the frame on the associated wheel. The rubber bodies also serve to suspend the associated arm structure D in a yielding manner so as to resist displacement of this arm in all directions while preventing the transmission of shocks and vibrations between the ground wheel and frame.

The stabilizing means J serves to control relative displacements of the ground` wheels A and to maintain the frame structure and body on a substantially even keel when rounding a curve, and at other times. Lateral thrusts. on a ground wheel A tend to fulcrum the wheel-carrying arm g vstructure D about the' unit G, undesired displacement being prevented by the unit H which is spaced sufficiently from the unit `G to provide the desired stability to the wheel suspension. f

Referring now to Figs. 5-7, we have illustrated a modified form of our invention wherein we have arranged the pivots of the upper and lower wheel carrying armsdirectly above each other instead of being longitudinally offset as in Fig. 3. In our modified arrangement we have also provided a somewhat different construction for the lower arm structure wherein the frame supported 'portion is formed separately from the wheel carrying portion thereby somewhat facilitating'the manufacture of the torsion units. In addition .we have substituted a. yielding pivotal support for the forward end of the upper arm structure, instead of the hydraulic shock absorber hereinbefore referred. to.

in a manner similar to that illustrated inFig. 5 in connectionwith the left hand wheel mounting. Each end of the stabilizer 65' is formed with a polygonal face 12 engaging in a correspondingly formed recess 13 at the axis of the shank portion 69 so that the stabilizer bar 65' extends directly between the pair of arms D' and functions in a' manner previously described in connection with the stabilizer means J. ,l

' Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the upper arm structure C' now has its forward end clamped at 14 to a bushing 15 which has internal threads engaging the threads of the support member 16 thereby accommodating pivotal movement ofathe inner end of the arm structure C. Thevsupportmember 18 isrigidly mounted in a -pla'te 11 which has a longitudinally extending face 18 Referring to Fig. 5, the structure illustrated represents the arrangement for a typical ground wheel, it being understood that a corresponding structure is provided for use with the opposite ground wheel, this arrangement being readily used in the Fig. l assembly as a substitute for the arm structures D. In Fig,I 5 the correspondvulcanized to the rubber body 18. 1 5.

The rubber body 19 has an annular Voutwardly extending portion 80, a support bracket 8I being secured by fasteners 82 to a frame side member I0 and having any upper support portion 83 vulcanized to the rubber body 19 including the annular portion 88 thereof. 'I'hus the support portion-83 has a face 34 thereof extending parallel withthe face 18 of the plate 11, the support member 83 having a cylindrical opening 85 to which the portion of the rubber body is vulcanized. By reason of this arrangement, the arm structure C' is insulated from the frame structure against shock and vibration of transmission, the support member 18 pivotally supporting the arm structure C. Displacement of the arm structure C in the direction of its length places the rubber body 18 under shear while displacement of the arm structure laterally inwardly or outwardly places the rubber body under tension or compression so that, in effect, the forward end of the arm structure C' is supported to accommodate universal movement of the support member'18.

'I'his arrangement lends itself to convenient member 16 being provided to hold this support ingwheel-carrying arm structure D' now has its 75 member in the desired relationship 'with respect to the plate 11,

y l 2,270,571 We do not limit our invention, in the broaderv aspects thereof,l to any particular combination and arrangement of parts such as shown and described 'for illustrative purposes since various modiiications will be apparent from the teachings of our invention and scope thereof as deiined in the appended claims.

We claim: y e

.1. In a motor vehicle having a longitudinally extending` frame' structureand 'a pair of road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the frame structure, meansassociated with each of said wheels and said frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheelsfor independent rising and falling movement, each of said supportingand guiding means including an oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure having a frame supported portion extending generally transversely of said frame structure, meanscomprising a body of deformable material for-.mount- I said frame structure, and stabilizer means comprising la torsion bar disposed adjacent said axis ing each of said supported portions on said'frame structure for yieldingly resisting oscillation" vof each supported portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of said frame f ture for supporting.` and guiding said wheels for..

ya frame supportedy tubular portion 'extending generally transversely of said frame structure, means for mounting. each of said tubular portions on said frame structure for oscillation about a common axis extending'generally transversely of of oscillation and having end portions respectively'projecting transversely through said tubular portions for yieldingly connecting said arm" structures.

5. In a motor vehicle having al longitudinally extending frame structure and apair of road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the frame structure, means associated with each of said wheels and said frame struc independent rising and falling movement, each of said supporting and guiding ,means'incl'uding an oscillatory Wheel carrying arm structure havhaving opposite end portions extending at an 'A angle from said body portion for connection respectively with the supported portionslof said with each of said wheels and said frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheels for independent rising and falling movement, each ofsaid supporting and guiding means including'an oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure having a frame supported portion extending generally ing ajirame supported portion extending gene'rallytransversel'y oi' said frame structure, means comprisinga pair of tcrsionally active bodieslof deformable materialV surrounding and operally transversely of said frame structure, means comprising a body of deformable material for mounting each of said supported portions on said frame structure for yieldingly resisting oscillation of each supported portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of saidframe structure, and stabilizer means comprising a torsion bar disposed parallel to and spaced from said axis of oscillation and having its opposite ends respectively xed to move with said oscillatory arm structures.

3. In a motor vehicle having a longitudinally extending `frame structure and a pair of .road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the frame structure, 'means associated with each of said wheels and said frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheels for independent rising and falling movement, each of said supporting and 'guiding means including an oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure hav-- ing a frame supported tubular'portion extending generally transversely of said .frame v structure.

means for mounting each of said tubular portions 4extending frame structure and aof road connected to each oi said'supported structures for'mounting each of said supported portions on said frame structure to yieldingly resist-oscillation of each supported portion about a common axis extending generally Utransve'rsely of said frame' structure, thev bodies ofA each pair-being spaced-from one another' along said axis of oscillation, each of said bodies having a pair of surfaces fixed against movement relativeto said frame structure and one of said supported structures respectively, and stabilizer means connecting the supported portions of said oscillatory arm structures to yieldingly resist relative oscillation thereof.

6. In a motor vehicle having a longitudinally extending frame structure and a pair of road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one endof the frame structure, means associated with each of said wheels and said frame -struci ture for supporting andguiding said wheels for independent rising and falling movement, each` of .said supporting and guiding means including an oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure having a frame supported portion .extending generally transversely of said frame structure,` means comprising a pair of bodies of deformable material for mounting each of said supported portions on said frame Ystructure to yieldingly resist oscillation of each supported portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of said vframe structure, the bodies of each pair be-` ing spaced from one another along said axis of oscillation, and stabilizer means comprising'a torsion bar having a body portion disposed adjacent said axis of oscillation, said torsion barhaving ,opposite end portions extending at an angle from said'body portion for connection respectivelywith the supported portions'of said oscillatory arm structures at a point between the pair of bodies associated therewit 7.1In a motor vehicle having al longitudinally extending frame structure and a pair of road `wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the 4frame structure, meansassociated.

wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the frame structure, means associated with each of said lwheels-and said frame structure l for supporting and guiding said wheels for indewith each of said wheels and said frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheelsfor independent rising and falling movement, each of said supporting and guiding means including an oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure having a frame supported portion extending generally transversely of said frame structure, and means comprising a pair of torsionally active bodies of deformable material for mounting each of said supported portions on said frame structure to yieldingly resist oscillation of each supported portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of said frame structure, the bodies of each pair being spaced from one another along said axis of oscillation, the innermost bodies of each pair being axially spaced from one another and said frame supported arm portions having their inner ends axially spaced relative to each other so as to accommodate displacement of each arm portion axially inwardly without thrust transmission to the other arm portion.

8. In a motor vehicle having a longitudinally extending frame structure and a road wheel disposed adjacent one end of the frame structure, means associated with said wheel and frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheel for ris- -ing and falling movement independently of the remaining wheels of the vehicle, said supporting and guiding means including an oscillatory wheel carrying armstructure having a frame supported portion extending generally transversely of said frame structure and a wheel connected portion offset from said frame supported portion in a direction generally longitudinally of said frame structure, and means for mounting said frame supportedportion on said frame structure for yieldingly resisting oscillation of said supporting portion about an axis extending generally transversely of said frame structure, the last said mounting means comprising a pair of annular bodies of deformable torsionally resistant material surrounding said frame supported portion in spaced relationship for resisting displacement of said frame supported portion transversely of its said axis of oscillation and adapted to torsionally resist oscillation-of said frame supported portion about said axis, each of said bodies having a pair of surfaces xed against movement relative to said frame structure and one of saidsupported structures respectively.

9. In a motor vehicle having a frame structure and a steerable ground Wheel disposed adjacent a thereto, an axle structure swivelly mounting said means associated with said wheel and frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheel for rising and falling movement independently of the remaining wheels of the vehicle, said supporting and guiding means including a tubular oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure having a hollow cylindrical frame supported portionextending generally transversely of said frame structure and a hollow portion oilsetfrom said frame supported portion in a direction generally longitudinally of said fra'me structure, a hollow cylindrical sleeve carried by an end of said offset hollow portion and extending transversely thereto, an axle member swivelly mounting said wheei and journalledinsaid sleeve, and a plurality of means for respectively swingingly mounting said axle member and said frame supported arm portion on mid frame structure.

ll. In a motor vehicle having a longitudinally extending frame structure and av pair of road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent l,one end of the frame structure, means assoframe structure to yieldingly resist oscillation of versely to the axis of said axle structure, said axle andv arm structures having interengaged threaded portions ior thrust transmission from 'said wheel to said arm ,structure in a direction axially of said axle structure, an upright memposed adjacent one end of the framerstructure,

' each supported portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of said frame structure and to yieldingly resist axial displacement of each supported portion inwardly along said axis, the inner ends of said supported portions being so disposed relatively to one another and said bodies being so spaced relative to each otherl that axial displacement of said supported portions as aforesaid is accommodated without accompanying thrust-transmission from either supported portion to the other supported portion or from either body to the'other body.A

12. In a motor vehicle having a frame structure comprising a pair' of laterally spaced longitudinally extending side rail structures and a hollow cross member extending transversely oi the vehicleand having its ends respectively structurally connected to said side rail structures, said vehicle having a pair of` road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end ofthe framestructure, means associated with each of said wheels and said frame'structure for supporting and guiding said vwheels for independent risingl and falling movement,l each of said supporting and guiding means including an oscillatory Wheel-carrying arm structure having a frame supporting portion extending' generally transversely of said side rail structures, a torsion spring for mounting each of said supporting portions on said frame structure for yieidingly resisting oscillation of each supporting portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of said side rail structures, each of said springs comprising a torsionally active annular body of deformable material having relatively movable surfaces adapted respectively forfixed connection to said frame. structure and to one of said supporting portions, said cross member being recessed adjacent its opposite ends lto receive said springs therein. y

13. In a motor vehicle having a` frame strucl ture comprising a pair of laterally spaced longitudinallyex'tending hollow side rail structures and a hollow cross member extending transverse- 1y of the vehicle and having its opposite ends respectively disposed in transversely overlapping relationship with said side rail structures for structural connection therewith. said vehicle having a pair of road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the frame structure, means associated with each of said Wheels and said frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheels for independent rising and falling movement, each of said supporting and guiding means including an oscillatory wheelcarrying arm structure having a frame supporting portion extending generally transversely of said side rail structures, a torsion spring for mounting each of said supporting portions on said frame structure for yieldingly resisting oscillation of each supporting portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of said side rail structures, each of said springs comprising a torsionally active annular body of deformable material havingr relatively .movable surfaces adapted respectively for xed connection to said` frame structure and to one of said supporting portions, said opposite ends of said hollow cross member having portions thereof which arch upwardly above those portions of the bottom wall of said hollowside rail structures which lie adjacent said opposite ends, said springs being respectively disposed in said arched portions such that portions of said annular bodies are disposed above said bottom wall portions of said hollow side rail structures.

14. In a motor vehicle having a frame structure comprising a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extending hollow side rail structures and a hollow cross member extending transversely of the vehicle and having its opposite ends respectively disposed in transversely overlapping relationship with said side rail structures for structural connection therewith,- said vehicle having a pair of road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the frame structure, means associated with each of said wheels and said frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheels for independent rising and falling movement, each of said supporting and guiding means including an oscillatory wheel-carrying arm structure having a frame supporting portion extending generally transversely of said side rail structures, a torsion spring vfor mounting each of said supporting portions on `said frame structure for yieldingly resisting oscillation of each supporting portion about a. common axis extending generally transversely of said siderail structures, each of said springs comprising a torsionally active annular body of deformable material having relatively movable surfaces adapted respectively for fixed connection to said frame structure and to one of said supporting portions, said hollow cross member comprising a pair of component members one of which is formed with a downwardly concaved recess for receiving said springs therein such that said springs are disposed' at the region of overlapping between the ends of said cross member and said side rail structures.

1K5. In a motor vehicle having a frame structure comprising a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extending side rail structures and a cross member extending therebetween, said -ve hicle having a pair of road wheels disposed at opposite sides of and adjacent one end of the frame structure. means associated with each `of said wheels and said frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheels for independent rising and falling movement, each of said supporting and guiding means including an oscillatory wheel-carrying arm structure having a. frame supporting portion extending generally transversely of said side rail structures, a torsion spring for mounting each of said supporting portions on said frame structure for yieldingly resisting oscillation of each supporting portion about a common axis extending generally transversely of said side rail structures, each of said springs comprising a torsionally active annular body of deformable material having relativelyl movable surfaces adapted respectively for fixed connection to said frame structure and to one of said supporting portions, said cross member comprising a component element formed with a downwardly concaved recess for receiving said springs therein adjacent opposite ends of said recess, said cross member comprising a second component element attached to the first said component element and forming therewith a hollow cross-section for said cross member.

. 16. In a motor vehicle havinga frame structure and a steerable ground wheel disposed adjacent thereto, an axle swivelly mounting said Wheel and extending inwardly therefrom in a direction transverse of the vehicle, said axle having a cylindrical bearing. part and a threaded bearing part, an arm structure extending generally longitudinally of the vehicle and having an` end portion receiving said axle, anti-friction bearing means jcurnalling said axle in said end portion and adapted to transmit thrust from said Wheel to said arm structure in a direction transversely to th'e axis of said axle, and a hollow sleeve secured to said end portion and having internal threads engaged with Vsaid threaded bearing part for thrust transmission from said Wheel to said arm structure in a direction axially of said axle, an upright member secured to said axle, a second arm structure pivoted to said frame structure and to said upright member, and means for pivotally mounting the rst said arm structure on said frame structure.

1'7. In a motor vehicle'having a longitudinally extending frame structure and a road wheel disposed adjacent one end of the frame structure, means associated withsaid wheel and frame structure for supporting and guiding said wheel for rising and falling movement independently of the remaining wheels of the vehicle', said supporting and guiding means including a tubular oscillatory wheel carrying arm structure extending from said frame structure and having a hollow end portion, a hollow cylindrical sleeve welded Within said hollow end portion, an axle swivelly mounting said wheel and having axially spaced cylindrical and threaded bearing-portions formed thereon, an anti-friction bearing between said sleeve and said cylindrical bearing portion, a second sleeve fixed within the rst said sleeve and having internal threads engaged with the threads of said threaded bearing portion, and a plurality of means respectively swingingly mounting said axle and said arm structure on said frame structure.

HARRY T. WOOLSON. ALEXANDER G. HERRESHOFF. HAROLD A. HICKS.

GLENN H. PARKER. 

